Washington, D.C. — Last Thursday, the DC STEM Network, collaboration between the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) and Carnegie Academy of Science Education (CASE) of the Carnegie Institution of Washington, hosted the inaugural DC STEM Summit. The Summit engaged over 250 representatives from local and national organizations, school and community leaders, educators, and District students in conversations about science, technology, engineering, and math education.

“The Office of the State Superintendent of Education is committed to preparing DC students to be college and career ready,” said State Superintendent Hanseul Kang. “OSSE is leading the way in supporting STEM education with implementation of the country’s first science assessment aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards and convening partners to continue coordination and focus on STEM education in the District.”

The summit, themed “STEM City: Capital for the Future,” featured powerful conversations around STEM pathways for DC youth. Key insights during the day came from the student alumni panel discussion and hands-on sessions led by DC teachers serving as STEM Ambassadors, the DC STEM Network Leadership Team, and various community partners. “We want to open the universe to all the students of this city,” said Julie Edmonds Director of the Carnegie Academy for Science Education (CASE).

The Network’s mission is to unite community partners in a sustainable collective effort to design, guide, and advocate for transformative STEM learning opportunities for students in the District of Columbia. “The DC STEM Network has laid an impressive foundation for DC students,” added Regina Schofield Director of Corporate Engagement and Education Outreach at Battelle, Inc. “Let’s help them do more.”

In his remarks, Karl Reid, the executive director of the National Society of Black Engineers, reiterated the importance of creating pathways and how they can provide career catalysts for students. He encouraged attendees to “help young people cast a vision for their preferred future and help them set pathways to get there.”

Other presenters examined the demand for hands-on programming for out-of-school STEM initiatives and discussed how to build STEM pathways extending from pre-kindergarten through professional careers.

The event closed with remarks from DC Chamber of Commerce President and chief executive officer, Harry Wingo whose keynote address, called for STEM companies to get involved in STEM educational efforts and noting that STEM education is important for the economy and for security.

The DC STEM Network will also host The DC STEM Fair on March 19, 2015. For more information on how to get involved in the DC STEM Network visit http://www.dcstemnetwork.org.

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The Carnegie Science (carnegiescience.edu) is a private, nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, DC, with six research departments throughout the U.S. Since its founding in 1902, the Carnegie Institution has been a pioneering force in basic scientific research. Carnegie scientists are leaders in plant biology, developmental biology, astronomy, materials science, global ecology, and Earth and planetary science.

The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (osse.dc.gov) serves as the state education agency for the District of Columbia and works with closely with the District's 64 local education agencies to raise the quality of education for all DC residents.